If you are looking at the title and scratching your head, don’t worry. :) That is completely to be expected.

After all, what does that mean? Is it about gardening? Growing? Some reference to literature?

It’s actually about friendships.

That probably didn’t really clear the muddy water at all, so I’ll explain. :)

I was listening to the radio the other day, and the announcer was talking about friendships, and was comparing them to a tree. We all have three different kinds of friends, and it is easiest to think of them in terms of a tree.

So the first kind of friends are acquaintances. Social media “friends,” even some people we know in person, are good examples, They are like the leaves of a tree... When the wind blows one way, they blow that way, but if it blows a different way, off they go.

The second group, getting a little closer to the tree is the branches. They are the friends who seem really close, but then all of a sudden they break off, and aren’t there anymore. Sad to say, but we all have friends like those.

And last but definitely not least, are the roots. We probably only have two or three, but these are the friends who stick with us no matter what. They don’t need to be in the spotlight, they care about us deeply, seeking our best to help us grow, and are there to keep us firmly grounded.

Now stop for a second and think about your “root” friends. What are some qualities you appreciate about them? How do they inspire and encourage you?

To flip that, though, how can we be good root friends? I’d like to offer three tips from what I have seen my roots do. :)

1. "How are you doing?" - Asking the hard questionsTrue friends care about how we are doing, and they want to know is we are doing ok. Sometimes when one of my "root friends" asks me how I am doing, and I respond with "doing ok", she always asks, "just ok?" Her answer always makes me smile, and yet, it makes me feel loved. I know she won't take "ok" as an answer... She truly wants to know how I am honestly doing. :)

Taking the time to show your friends you care, checking in on them to see if they are ok, or just giving them a hug can help your friend weather the storms.

2. "Let's pray." - Praying with and for your friendsThere have been quite a few times when I have had a health issue or a difficult situation and one of my friends will reach out and say, "I'm praying for you!" It means so much more than words can say when I know my friends are lifting me up in prayer.

Praying for your friends shows them you care and directs them to their True Foundation.

3. "Sure! Let's do it!" - Spending time togetherFor me, I really appreciate it when my friends make time in their schedules to spend time together. I love Skype baking as we laugh over my baking mistakes, practicing a song with my friend, hanging out talking, playing games, and so much more! The fact that they had time for me is so touching!

These friends have taught me that one of the greatest ways to show we care is to spend time with our friends. Even if your friend can't make it, just the fact that you invited them will mean so much to them! Spending time with your friend shows you care.

But what if you don't have any root friends? Or even if you do, maybe they have let you down. Or maybe you are struggling for an entirely different reason, but the struggle is just as real.

I was thinking back about how the Lord is truly the best foundation we have. As I thought about each way that we can help our friends, isn't it the same with the Lord?

He wants to know how we are doing. He cares about our hearts and how we are truly feeling. He wants us to know that He desires us to tell Him our struggles, our joys, and our sorrows. I am reminded of when He looked across Jerusalem before He was betrayed and how he yearned to gather them to Himself. He desires the same with us. That we wouldn't just say, "I'm ok" on Sunday, but that we would tell Him "I'm struggling."

His Word directs us to the right place. He keeps us grounded, and desires that we draw closer, that we follow Him with our whole heart.

And He desires to be with us! He wants to be apart of our day to day lives! He wants to walk with us everyday, and desires that we spend time with Him.

Do we live our life like He is the most important treasure?

Do you remember your list of "root friends"? Take some time this week to tell them how much you appreciate them! :)

There are so many more ways we can encourage our friends! Do you have thoughts you would like to share? Please comment below!